Simon & Schuster Australia is delighted to announce the acquisition of Sally Gould’s extraordinary and revealing account of life as a paramedic. Frog (working title): A memoir of life and death on the frontline has already won the 2023 ASA/CA Award for narrative non-fiction. World rights were acquired by Emma Nolan from Tom Gilliatt at a4 Literary. Frog is written with a blend of insight, humour and raw passion as Sally invites readers into the high-stakes world of emergency medical response, where she tackles the most intense and critical situations – from heart-stopping emergencies in the most unexpected places to the often surreal and frustrating aspects of the job.

Through Sally’s eyes, we experience the intense rush of responding to cardiac arrests in unconventional settings, rescuing victims from precarious situations, and confronting the everyday absurdities of non-urgent calls. But this memoir goes beyond the emergencies; it delves into the personal struggles Sally faces, including battling sexism, navigating a toxic work environment, and dealing with the cumulative trauma of her profession. Yet, amid these challenges, Sally finds solace and strength in the camaraderie and wisdom of her colleagues, offering a rare glimpse into a world few outsiders truly understand.

Author Sally Gould said, ’Being able to share insights into my dream career as a paramedic through my writing is an absolute privilege. I am forever grateful to my agent Tom (a4 Literary) for his belief in this manuscript and am excited to work with Emma and the S&S team to see it expertly nurtured to life. My hope is for this book to make its way into the hands of readers who will find comfort and inspiration in this story of growth and resilience, as I navigate all that the job throws at me.’

Simon & Schuster Australia publisher Emma Nolan said, ‘Sally Gould’s memoir is a masterful testament to her innate storytelling ability. Through years of carefully preserved journals she provides a rare, intimate look into the world of emergency responders. Her book is a moving tribute to the resilience, courage, and camaraderie that shape the paramedic’s journey, offering readers an unforgettable story that will both inspire and deeply touch their hearts.’

This electrifying and profoundly moving account of an Intensive Care Paramedic will appeal to fans of ambulance reality TV shows along with readers of Yumiko Kadota’s Emotional Female and Tim Booth’s You Called an Ambulance for What? Frog is scheduled for publication in April 2025.

Sally Gould has been a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for almost fourteen years – being on-road is her dream job. The personal growth she experienced on the frontline and the journals she took during her early years in the job are the inspiration for her memoir Frog. Sally lives in Sydney and spends her days off running, bushwalking, writing, baking and overthinking, in between chasing after her two boys. Writing for her is therapeutic and she can’t wait to share her story with the world.